Organic molecules involved in Cu-based electrocatalysts for selective CO2 reduction to C2+ products

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a promising process to mitigate the environmental issues caused by CO₂, as well as to produce valuable multicarbon (C₂₊) products. Significant progresses have been made to explore highly efficient Cu-based electrocatalysts for CO₂RR in recent years. Adding organic molecules into electrocatalytic systems can tune the CO₂ interaction with the electrocatalysts for CO₂RR, therefore, the final C₂₊ products, which are not solely achieved by inorganic modification. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress of the organic molecules participation in CO₂ electroreduction to C₂₊ products on Cu-based electrocatalysts. The applied organic molecules are reviewed based on the heteroatoms (N and S), with the emphasis on their roles in activity and selectivity toward C₂₊ products. A perspective on the application of organic molecules for efficient and selective CO₂RR has been provided.     

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction on cost-effective oxide-derived copper and transition metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) either to generate multicarbon (C₂₊) or single carbon (C₁) value-added products provides an effective and promising approach to mitigate the high CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere and promote energy storage. However, cost-effectiveness of catalytic materials limits practical application of this technology in the short term. Herein, we summarize and discuss recent and advanced works on cost-effective oxide-derived copper catalysts for the generation of C₂₊ products (hydrocarbons and alcohols) and transition metal–nitrogen–doped carbon electrocatalytic materials for C₁ compounds production from CO₂RR. We think they represent suitable electrocatalyst candidates for scaling up electrochemical CO₂ conversion. This short review may provide inspiration for the future design and development of innovative active, cost-effective, selective and stable electrocatalysts with improved properties for either the production of C₂₊ (alcohols, hydrocarbons) or carbon monoxide from CO₂RR.     

Sulfur Changes the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Pathway over Cu Electrocatalysts

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals or fuels offers a promising approach to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate energy shortage. Cu-based electrocatalysts have been widely reported as capable of reducing CO₂ to produce a variety of multicarbon products (e.g., ethylene and ethanol). In this work, we develop sulfur-doped Cu₂O electrocatalysts, which instead can electrochemically reduce CO₂ to almost exclusively formate. We show that a dynamic equilibrium of S exists at the Cu₂O-electrolyte interface, and S-doped Cu₂O undergoes in situ surface reconstruction to generate active S-adsorbed metallic Cu sites during the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations together with in situ infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements show that the S-adsorbed metallic Cu surface can not only promote the formation of the *OCHO intermediate but also greatly suppress *H and *COOH adsorption, thus facilitating CO₂-to-formate conversion during the electrochemical CO₂RR.     

The atomic-level regulation of single-atom site catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is viewed as a promising way to remove the greenhouse gas CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into useful industrial products such as methane, methanol, formate, ethanol, and so forth. Single-atom site catalysts (SACs) featuring maximum theoretical atom utilization and a unique electronic structure and coordination environment have emerged as promising candidates for use in the CO₂RR. The electronic properties and atomic structures of the central metal sites in SACs will be changed significantly once the types or coordination environments of the central metal sites are altered, which appears to provide new routes for engineering SACs for CO₂ electrocatalysis. Therefore, it is of great importance to discuss the structural regulation of SACs at the atomic level and their influence on CO₂RR activity and selectivity. Despite substantial efforts being made to fabricate various SACs, the principles of regulating the intrinsic electrocatalytic performances of the single-atom sites still needs to be sufficiently emphasized. In this perspective article, we present the latest progress relating to the synthesis and catalytic performance of SACs for the electrochemical CO₂RR. We summarize the atomic-level regulation of SACs for the electrochemical CO₂RR from five aspects: the regulation of the central metal atoms, the coordination environments, the interface of single metal complex sites, multi-atom active sites, and other ingenious strategies to improve the performance of SACs. We highlight synthesis strategies and structural design approaches for SACs with unique geometric structures and discuss how the structure affects the catalytic properties.

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a promising way to remove CO₂ and convert it into useful industrial products. Single-atom site catalysts provide opportunities to regulate the active sites of CO₂RR catalysts at the atomic level.     

From Biomimicking to Bioinspired Design of Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction to C1 Products

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ (CO₂RR) is a promising approach to maintain a carbon cycle balance and produce value-added chemicals. However, CO₂RR technology is far from mature, since the conventional CO₂RR electrocatalysts suffer from low activity (leading to currents <10 mA cm⁻² in an H-cell), stability (<120 h), and selectivity. Hence, they cannot meet the requirements for commercial applications (>200 mA cm⁻², >8000 h, >90 % selectivity). Significant improvements are possible by taking inspiration from nature, considering biological organisms that efficiently catalyze the CO₂ to various products. In this minireview, we present recent examples of enzyme-inspired and enzyme-mimicking CO₂RR electrocatalysts enabling the production of C₁ products with high faradaic efficiency (FE). At present, these designs do not typically follow a methodical approach, but rather focus on isolated features of biological systems. To achieve disruptive change, we advocate a systematic design methodology that leverages fundamental mechanisms associated with desired properties in nature and adapts them to the context of engineering applications.     

Recent advances in carbon-based materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction

The increase of atmospheric CO₂ concentration has caused many environmental issues. Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction（CO₂RR） has been considered as a promising strategy to mitigate these challenges. The electrocatalysts with a low overpotential, high Faradaic efficiency, and excellent selectivity are of great significance for the CO₂RR. Carbon-based materials including metal-free carbon catalysts and metal-based carbon catalysts have shown great p...     

Polyoxometalate-Based Compounds for Photo- and Electrocatalytic Applications

Photo/electrocatalysis of water (H₂O) splitting and CO₂ reduction reactions is a promising strategy to alleviate the energy crisis and excessive CO₂ emissions. For the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) involved, the development of effective photo/electrocatalysts is critical to reduce the activation energy and accelerate the sluggish dynamics. Polyoxometalate (POM)-based compounds with tunable compositions and diverse structures are emerging as unique photo/electrocatalysts for these reactions as they offer unparalleled advantages such as outstanding solution and redox stability, quasi-semiconductor behaviour, etc. This Minireview provides a basic introduction related to photo/electrocatalytic HER, OER and CO₂RR, followed by the classification of pristine POM-based compounds toward different catalytic reactions. Recent breakthroughs in engineering POM-based compounds as efficient photo/electrocatalysts are highlighted. Finally, the advantages, challenges, strategies and outlooks of POM-based compounds on improving photo/electrocatalytic performance are discussed.     

Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Syngas with Controllable CO/H2 Ratios over Co and Ni Single-Atom Catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to yield synthesis gas (syngas, CO and H₂) has been considered as a promising method to realize the net reduction in CO₂ emission. However, it is challenging to balance the CO₂RR activity and the CO/H₂ ratio. To address this issue, nitrogen-doped carbon supported single-atom catalysts are designed as electrocatalysts to produce syngas from CO₂RR. While Co and Ni single-atom catalysts are selective in producing H₂ and CO, respectively, electrocatalysts containing both Co and Ni show a high syngas evolution (total current >74 mA cm⁻²) with CO/H₂ ratios (0.23–2.26) that are suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the key intermediates on Co and Ni single-atom configurations for the H₂ and CO evolution. The results present a useful case on how non-precious transition metal species can maintain high CO₂RR activity with tunable CO/H₂ ratios.     

Key factors for designing single-atom metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR) is a sustainable approach to mitigate the increased CO₂ emissions and simultaneously produce value-added chemicals and fuels. Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) based single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for CO₂RR with high activity, selectivity, and stability. To design efficient SACs for CO₂RR, the key influence factors need to be understood. Here, we summarize recent achievements on M-N-C SACs for CO₂RR and highlight the significance of the key constituting factors, metal sites, the coordination environment, and the substrates, for achieving high CO₂RR performance. The perspective views and guidelines are provided for the future direction of developing M-N-C SACs as CO₂RR catalysts.     

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

The large concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere can be utilized in industrial production using effective electrocatalysts such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Due to good properties such as high surface area, designable functionality, and uniform constitution, MOFs are regarded as promising electrocatalysts for the carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction reaction (eCO₂RR). This review covers the importance, challenges, and mechanism of eCO₂RR, and simply discusses the progress in the synthesis methods and characterization of MOFs. The review also thoroughly discusses the advances of single metal-based MOFs, mixed metal-based MOFs, and MOF derivatives as electrocatalysts for efficient eCO₂RR.     

Recent advances in single atom catalysts for the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emission and at the same time generate valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels. Single atom catalysts (SACs) are encouraging to catalyze the electrochemical CO₂RR due to the tunable electronic structure of the central metal atoms, which can regulate the adsorption energy of reactants and reaction intermediates. Moreover, SACs form a bridge between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, providing an ideal platform to explore the reaction mechanism of electrochemical reactions. In this review, we first discuss the strategies for promoting the CO₂RR performance, including suppression of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), generation of C₁ products and formation of C₂₊ products. Then, we summarize the recent developments in regulating the structure of SACs toward the CO₂RR based on the above aspects. Finally, several issues regarding the development of SACs for the CO₂RR are raised and possible solutions are provided.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emission and at the same time generate valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels.     

Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Syngas with Controllable CO/H2 Ratios over Co and Ni Single‐Atom Catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to yield synthesis gas (syngas, CO and H₂) has been considered as a promising method to realize the net reduction in CO₂ emission. However, it is challenging to balance the CO₂RR activity and the CO/H₂ ratio. To address this issue, nitrogen‐doped carbon supported single‐atom catalysts are designed as electrocatalysts to produce syngas from CO₂RR. While Co and Ni single‐atom catalysts are selective in producing H₂ and CO, respectively, electrocatalysts containing both Co and Ni show a high syngas evolution (total current >74 mA cm^?2) with CO/H₂ ratios (0.23–2.26) that are suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the key intermediates on Co and Ni single‐atom configurations for the H₂ and CO evolution. The results present a useful case on how non‐precious transition metal species can maintain high CO₂RR activity with tunable CO/H₂ ratios.     

Halogen-Incorporated Sn Catalysts for Selective Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate

Electrochemically reducing CO₂ to valuable fuels or feedstocks is recognized as a promising strategy to simultaneously tackle the crises of fossil fuel shortage and carbon emission. Sn-based catalysts have been widely studied for electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to make formic acid/formate, which unfortunately still suffer from low activity, selectivity and stability. In this work, halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) was introduced into the Sn catalyst by a facile hydrolysis method. The presence of halogen was confirmed by a collection of ex situ and in situ characterizations, which rendered a more positive valence state of Sn in halogen-incorporated Sn catalyst as compared to unmodified Sn under cathodic potentials in CO₂RR and therefore tuned the adsorption strength of the key intermediate (*OCHO) toward formate formation. As a result, the halogen-incorporated Sn catalyst exhibited greatly enhanced catalytic performance in electrochemical CO₂RR to produce formate.     

Tailoring Copper Nanocrystals towards C2 Products in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Favoring the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) over the hydrogen evolution reaction and controlling the selectivity towards multicarbon products are currently major scientific challenges in sustainable energy research. It is known that the morphology of the catalyst can modulate catalytic activity and selectivity, yet this remains a relatively underexplored area in electrochemical CO₂ reduction. Here, we exploit the material tunability afforded by colloidal chemistry to establish unambiguous structure/property relations between Cu nanocrystals and their behavior as electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction. Our study reveals a non‐monotonic size‐dependence of the selectivity in cube‐shaped copper nanocrystals. Among 24 nm, 44 nm and 63 nm cubes tested, the cubes with 44 nm edge length exhibited the highest selectivity towards CO2RR (80 %) and faradaic efficiency for ethylene (41 %). Statistical analysis of the surface atom density suggests the key role played by edge sites in CO2RR.     

Nanostructures for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

One of the most effective ways to cope with the problems of global warming and the energy shortage crisis is to develop renewable and clean energy sources. To achieve a carbon-neutral energy cycle, advanced carbon sequestration technologies are urgently needed, but because CO₂ is a thermodynamically stable molecule with the highest carbon valence state of +4, this process faces many challenges. In recent years, electrochemical CO₂ reduction has become a promising approach to fix and convert CO₂ into high-value-added fuels and chemical feedstock. However, the large-scale commercial use of electrochemical CO₂ reduction systems is hindered by poor electrocatalyst activity, large overpotential, low energy conversion efficiency, and product selectivity in reducing CO₂. Therefore, there is an urgent need to rationally design highly efficient, stable, and scalable electrocatalysts to alleviate these problems. This minireview also aims to classify heterogeneous nanostructured electrocatalysts for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CDRR).     

In Situ Bismuth Nanosheet Assembly for Highly Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate

The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into value-added fuels using an electrochemical method has been regarded as a compelling sustainable energy conversion technology. However, high-performance electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) with high formate selectivity and good stability need to be improved. Earth-abundant Bi has been demonstrated to be active for CO₂RR to formate. Herein, we fabricated an extremely active and selective bismuth nanosheet (Bi-NSs) assembly via an in situ electrochemical transformation of (BiO)₂CO₃ nanostructures. The as-prepared material exhibits high activity and selectivity for CO₂RR to formate, with nearly 94% faradaic efficiency at −1.03 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE)) and stable selectivity (>90%) in a large potential window ranging from −0.83 to −1.18 V (vs. RHE) and excellent durability during 12 h continuous electrolysis. In addition, the Bi-NSs based CO₂RR/methanol oxidation reaction (CO₂RR/MOR) electrolytic system for overall CO₂ splitting was constructed, evidencing the feasibility of its practical implementation.     

Boosting electrocatalytic selectivity in carbon dioxide reduction: The fundamental role of dispersing gold nanoparticles on silicon nanowires

Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction (CO₂RR) has been recognized as an efficient way to mitigate CO₂ emissions and alleviate the pressure on global warming and associated environmental consequences. Gold (Au) is reported as stable and active electrocatalysts to convert CO₂ to CO at low overpotential due to its moderate adsorption strength of *COOH and *CO. The request for improved catalytic performance, however, is motivated by current unsatisfied catalytic selectivity because of the side hydrogen evolution reaction. In this context, the design of Au based binary catalysts that can boost CO selectivity is of great interest. In the present work, we report that Au nanoparticles can be feasibly dispersed and anchored on silicon nanowires to form Au-Si binary nanomaterials. The Au-Si may stably drive CO₂RR with a CO Faraday efficiency of 95.6% at ?0.6 V vs. RHE in 0.5 mol/L KHCO₃ solution. Such selectivity outperforms Au particles by up to 61%. Controlled experiments illustrate that such catalytic enhancement can chiefly be ascribed to electronic effects of binary catalysts. Theoretical calculations reveal that spontaneously produced silicon oxide may not only inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction, but also stabilize the key intermediate *COOH in CO formation.     

Anion Modulation of Pt-Group Metals and Electrocatalysis Applications

Pt-group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts with unique electronic structures and irreplaceable comprehensive properties play crucial roles in electrocatalysis. Anion engineering can create a series of PGM compounds (such as RuP₂, IrP₂, PtP₂, RuB₂, Ru₂B₃, RuS₂, etc.) that provide a promising prospect for improving the electrocatalytic performance and use of Pt-group noble metals. This review seeks the electrochemical activity origin of anion-modulated PGM compounds, and systematically analyzes and summarizes their synthetic strategies and energy-relevant applications in electrocatalysis. Orientation towards the sustainable development of nonfossil resources has stimulated a blossoming interest in the design of advanced electrocatalysts for clean energy conversion. The anion-modulated strategy for Pt-group metals (PGMs) by means of anion engineering possesses high flexibility to regulate the electronic structure, providing a promising prospect for constructing electrocatalysts with superior activity and stability to satisfy a future green electrochemical energy conversion system. Based on the previous work of our group and others, this review summarizes the up-to-date progress on anion-modulated PGM compounds (such as RuP₂, IrP₂, PtP₂, RuB₂, Ru₂B₃, RuS₂, etc.) in energy-related electrocatalysis from the origin of their activity and synthetic strategies to electrochemical applications including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), N₂ reduction reaction (NRR), and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). At the end, the key problems, countermeasures and future development orientations of anion-modulated PGM compounds toward electrocatalytic applications are proposed.     

Polyoxometalate-based electron transfer modulation for efficient electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR) involves a variety of electron transfer pathways, resulting in poor reaction selectivity, limiting its use to meet future energy requirements. Polyoxometalates (POMs) can both store and release multiple electrons in the electrochemical process, and this is expected to be an ideal “electron switch” to match with catalytically active species, realize electron transfer modulation and promote the activity and selectivity of the electrocatalytic CO₂RR. Herein, we report a series of new POM-based manganese-carbonyl (MnL) composite CO₂ reduction electrocatalysts, whereby SiW₁₂–MnL exhibits the most remarkable activity and selectivity for CO₂RR to CO, resulting in an increase in the faradaic efficiency (FE) from 65% (MnL) to a record-value of 95% in aqueous electrolyte. A series of control electrochemical experiments, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), transient photovoltage (TPV) experiments, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that POMs act as electronic regulators to control the electron transfer process from POM to MnL units during the electrochemical reaction, enhancing the selectivity of the CO₂RR to CO and depressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This work demonstrates the significance of electron transfer modulation in the CO₂RR and suggests a new idea for the design of efficient electrocatalysts towards CO₂RR.

Polyoxometalates as electron regulators to promote the carbonyl manganese (MnL) electrocatalyst for highly efficient CO₂ reduction in aqueous electrolyte.     

Current progress of molybdenum carbide-based materials for electrocatalysis: potential electrocatalysts with diverse applications

Electrocatalysts are the cores of many electrochemical reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Recent advances in research have demonstrated the potentials of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts for these reactions arising out of their unique electronic structure and physicochemical properties. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts in these electrochemical processes. The corresponding synthesis strategies, structure and electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts are discussed and the relationships of the process-structure-property are highlighted. In addition, the catalytic mechanisms are analyzed based on the structure characterization and theoretical calculations results. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives are put forward for further development of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts.